Reader Spotlight: Chuck Kingston

Meet bassist Chuck “KingStunned” Kingston, a bassist from Denison, Texas and our player in the spotlight for June 7, 2011.

Bio:

Some people never get the chance to live out their dreams in life. I can call myself one of the few lucky ones. Life itself has a rhythm it flows by.

The bass guitar has always been my highway. The beat in my heart jumps into the bass I play and through the amp for all to hopefully enjoy.

This is the job that it never feels like I’m working a single day in my life.

Location:

Denison, Texas, USA

Day gig:

I work at JC Penney as a shoe salesman, but hope real soon I am able to be a full time musician again.

Years experience:

20+ years

Bands & Gigs:

My newest venture, is playing bass for Days Of Grey, which finds me teamed up with some really great musicians and even better people. I truly look forward to making great music and meeting all of the D.O.G. fans.

Gear:

Charvel Fusion V 5-string bass

Rogue 5-string bass

Ibanez Gio 4-string

Hartke Kickback 12 for smaller gigs

Hartke VX3500 combo for all other gigs

Hartke & Rotosound strings (45-130)

Boss ME-50B bass effects processor

Why I play the bass:

Upon seeing Gene Simmons I told my mom that’s what I want to do for a living. Plus, being born into a family with strong musical talent, some things aren’t avoidable.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

I got my love of music from my mom Jackie (rest her soul) who was an accomplished singer/songwriter/guitarist. Mom was blessed to play with music greats like Jim Reeves, Slim Whitman and even the great Elvis Aaron Presley in 1958 during the Louisiana Hayride. As a 16 year old then, she said there was no greater joy in the world.

My influences

Any musician who pours their heart out through their instrument or lyrics is an influence to me. Popularity doesn’t have anything to do with it.

I grew up in a house with many different styles of music. My mom and dad molded me with country, rockabilly and gospel. My brother turned me on to the great classic rock of the 60’s and 70’s from The Guess Who to Alice Cooper, while my sister offered me generous doses of Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton and AC/DC.

Kiss is my all time favorite band. The first time I remember seeing Gene Simmons on the Kiss Alive album cover, I told mom that’s what I’m going to be when I grew up. She bought me my first bass guitar for my 9th birthday, and I haven’t looked back.